U.S. Soldiers Attacked by Turkish Nationalists in Izmir During Port Visit
On Monday, two U.S. soldiers were attacked by a nationalist youth group in western Turkey, according to the U.S. Embassy and local authorities. The incident occurred in the Konak district of Izmir, where members of the Turkey Youth Union (TGB), affiliated with the nationalist Vatan Party, assaulted the soldiers who were in civilian clothing.
The Izmir governor’s office reported that after the initial attack, five additional U.S. soldiers intervened. Police quickly responded, detaining all 15 assailants and launching an investigation.
The U.S. Embassy confirmed the attack, stating that the soldiers, who were aboard the USS Wasp, are now safe. They issued a statement on social media affirming the safety of the personnel involved.
Earlier, TGB posted a video on X showing the group holding a man down on the street, covering him with a white hood, and chanting slogans. The group claimed the man was a soldier from the USS Wasp, which is visiting Izmir this week.
TGB expressed their opposition to U.S. military presence, stating, “U.S. soldiers who bear the blood of our soldiers and thousands of Palestinians cannot tarnish our country. Every time you enter our land, we will respond accordingly.”
